Jody Glines is the principal of Vincent Massey Community School in the Saskatoon neighbourhood of Massey Place. According to Glines, Community Schools provide an additional boost for young students with resources such as school nutrition programs. “We recognize that families are doing their best and we always have healthy food available for students who need it — whether that’s breakfast, lunch or a snack,” says Glines.
Vincent Massey Community School was one of five elementary schools in core neighbourhoods that piloted SPSF’s full-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs for four- and five-year-old children.
Vincent Massey Community School was one of five elementary schools in core neighbourhoods that piloted SPSF’s full-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs for four- and five-year-old children.
“Already the benefits of these full-day pre-K and kindergarten programs can be seen. The students have stronger literacy skills and overall readiness for Grade 1. They are more comfortable in a classroom setting”
Jody Glines, Principal, Vincent Massey School
Glines has his own personal story of a child who has experienced benefits from the Early Learner Tutor program supported by SPSF. He calls the program “near and dear to my heart.” Glines’ own daughter was experiencing a reading level below her grade level. After seven weeks of one-on-one sessions with a literacy tutor named Mrs. Marsh, Glines says “my daughter now sees herself as a reader.”
The literacy tutors, also known as master teachers, are retired schoolteachers that Glines describes as “wonderful human beings.” Tutoring sessions are offered at no cost for the students and their families and, if a child changes schools, the tutor will move with them to the new school. The program also has homework components that are meant to engage parents and caregivers.
“I want to share with the public just how impactful these SPSF programs are for young students. It’s a recipe for success,” says Glines, speaking as both a school principal and a parent.